<p id=”par-1_72″><a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/tag/timothee-chalamet/?swcfpc=1″>Timothée Chalamet</a> is in pursuit of greatness. The actor admitted as much during his acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Best Actor. Name-dropping screen legends like Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis, the <em>Complete Unknown </em>star set a high bar to clear if he wants to be considered in the conversation of <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/timothee-chalamet-explained-term-movie-star-like-death.html/?swcfpc=1″>film’s greatest actors</a>. So at 29 years old, how does Chalamet’s resume compare to the greats?</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-early-career-milestones-for-film-s-greatest-actors”>Early career milestones for film’s greatest actors</h2>
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<p id=”par-2_72″>Before his 30s, Marlon Brando had already made a significant impact on cinema. His groundbreaking performance in <em>A Streetcar Named Desire</em> (1951) earned him his first Academy Award nomination at 27, and he secured <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/how-many-oscars-did-marlon-brando-win-in-his-50-year-career.html/”>his first Oscar win</a> at 30 years old for <em>On the Waterfront</em> (1954). Similarly, Daniel Day-Lewis received his first Academy Award for Best Actor at 32 for <em>My Left Foot</em> (1989), marking the beginning of a distinguished career.</p>
<p id=”par-3_40″>Viola Davis’s ascent was more gradual. By 30, she had built a solid foundation in theater and television, leading to her breakthrough film role in <em>Doubt</em> (2008). She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at 43. </p>
<p id=”par-4_42″>Al Pacino had begun to make his mark in cinema at a similar age. His signature role as Michael Corleone in <em>The Godfather</em> (1972) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at 32, setting the stage for future greatness.</p>
<p id=”par-5_29″>Denzel Washington’s career <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/denzel-washington-almost-gave-acting-directing-movie.html/”>took more time to develop</a>. His stand-out film role in <em>Cry Freedom </em>(1987) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at 33. </p>
<p id=”par-6_43″>Meryl Streep’s early career was marked by critical acclaim. She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at 30 for <em>The Deer Hunter</em> (1978) and won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at 31 for <em>Kramer vs. Kramer</em> (1979).</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-timothee-chalamet-s-critical-acclaim-and-awards”>Timothée Chalamet’s critical acclaim and awards</h2>
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<p id=”par-7_31″>Chalamet’s role in <em>Call Me by Your Name</em> (2017) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at just 22, making him one of the youngest nominees in that category.</p>
<p id=”par-8_46″>His recent <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/bob-dylan-praised-timothee-chalamets-acting-ahead-complete-unknown.html/”>performance in <em>A Complete Unknown</em></a> has further solidified his reputation, with the film receiving eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. A Best Actor win for Chalamet at the 2025 Academy Awards would level him up in the conversation of acting greats.</p>
<p id=”par-9_43″>In comparison, Brando’s early Oscar win for <em>On the Waterfront</em> set a high standard, while Day-Lewis’s portrayal in <em>My Left Foot</em> established him as a formidable talent. Davis’s and Washington’s later recognition underscores their perseverance and reflects the longevity Chalamet hopes to emulate.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-chalamet-s-box-office-success”>Chalamet’s box office success</h2>
<p id=”par-10_50″>Timothée Chalamet’s films have collectively grossed over $3 billion worldwide, a testament to his box office appeal and blockbuster talent. <em>Dune </em>and <em>Dune: Part Two </em>have combined for over $1 billion. Other films like <em>Wonka</em>, <em>Lady Bird</em>, <em>Little Women</em>, and <em>A Complete Unknown</em> contributed significantly to Chalamet’s box office draw.</p>
<p id=”par-11_57″>While box office tracking during Brando’s era differs from today’s metrics, his films were commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Day-Lewis’s and Washington’s selective filmographies include high-grossing and award-winning films, reflecting both commercial and artistic success. Davis’s versatility across film, television, and theater has resulted in a diverse portfolio, with several box office hits and critically lauded performances.</p>
<p id=”par-12_58″>An Academy Award for <em>A Complete Unknown</em> will go a long way in helping Chalamet achieve his career goals. It’s clear he can always rely on <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/dune-why-timothee-chalamet-calls-it-one-of-the-most-inspiring-and-changing-experiences-of-my-life.html/”>franchise films and blockbusters</a> to boost his box office numbers. But Chalamet’s SAG speech makes it clear his pursuit extends beyond dollars as he endeavors to reach a different echelon of acting.</p>